A Christmas Shared: Co-Parenting Tips for the Holidays

Christmas is a wonderful time, but it can also come with challenges for some families, particularly when deciding how children of separated or divorced parents will spend the holidays. Balancing traditions, routines, and quality time with parents can sometimes lead to disagreements. At Manak Solicitors, we are here to help you navigate these arrangements with ease and focus on what matters most: the well-being of your children.

Finding what works for your family

Every family is unique, and so are their festive plans. For some, it may work best for children to spend set days with each parent, alternating yearly. For others, a more flexible arrangement may be required to allow the children to spend quality time with both parents. The goal is always to ensure children feel loved and supported during the holidays and are not affected by any dispute between their parents.

Reaching an agreement

We know that it is not always simple to find common ground and reach an agreement with an ex-partner, but there are ways to make the process smoother:

Legal Support: our expert team of family solicitors can guide discussions to help you create a fair and practical arrangement that works for everyone.

Mediation: this provides a neutral space for parents to resolve differences amicably with the assistance of a trained mediator. 

These approaches allow families to control decisions for their children more quickly and less stressfully, which can defuse tension between parents. The goal is to create an arrangement that works for your children and meets their physical and emotional needs. 

Where an agreement cannot be reached

If mediation and discussions via solicitors do not work, applying for a child arrangements order through the court may be necessary. This will result in a clear, legally binding decision about where your child spends their time, not just for Christmas but for future holidays and day-to-day life.

Before applying to the court, you must engage with some form of non-court dispute resolution (NCDR), such as mediation, unless you can claim a valid exemption. If NCDR is not successful, our team can help you prepare your case for court and guide you every step of the way.

Focus on What Matters Most

At Manak Solicitors, we understand every family is different. Our experienced family law team provides tailored support to prioritise your child’s happiness. 

Contact us today at [email protected] or call 01689 870 769. Let us help keep your focus on what truly matters this Christmas.